first time buying a car, would like help on what to ask. It's a used 95 gmc jimmy161,000 miles2500$price good?

Question

Hey I would like some help on buying a car..this is my first time and I dont know what to ask. It's a 1995 gmc jimmy color is green. It has 161,000 miles on it and the asking price is 2,500..is that a good price and what should I ask the seller..!! help please!! thanks so much

Answer 1

Check our the Kelley Blue Book website (http://www.kbb.com) to see what the car is truly worth (for example in LA, CA, the car is worth: $1,965 / $2,425 / $2,785, depending on condition (fair / good / excellent)). Be sure to have a mechanic check out the car to see if it is in good condition. If it is a lemon, then any price would not be worth it due to all of the work you'd have do to get it into good condition. Determine an offer price after getting the car checked out by a mechanic. Good luck. :)

Answer 2

Ok here goes:

First & foremost:

ANYTIME YOU ARE BUYING A USED VEHICLE YOU ARE BUYING SOMEONE ELSE'S PROBLEM!

Secondly:

STAY AWAY FROM ANYTHING THAT IS USED AND AMERICAN MADE FROM THE 1980's - 2000.

The reason is because the technology is crap compared to Japanese engineering. If it had 50k miles on it, then you'd be fine; but a GMC with 161k miles is just asking to head to the shop.

Ask the owner these questions:

1. Is there anything mechanically wrong with the car that you know of? (if yes, don't buy it)

2. Has the vehicle ever been in a wreck? (if yes, don't buy it)

3. What parts have you had to replace? Do you have a record of it?

4. Are you the original owner, or the second or third owner? (This can tell you a lot about it. A one time owner will take much better care of a vehicle such as maintaining it due to it being an "investment". Following owners tend to just drive it but not maintain it; there are exceptions though)

5. Do you have a maintenance log showing oil changes, filter changes, tune-ups, etc...? (if none available, don't buy it)

6. Can I test drive it & can I take it to my mechanic to check over? (if the answer is no, don't buy it)

If any one of these questions can not be reliablly answered: walk away from the deal. You're just asking for a future headache if you buy it.

Some sellers will lie about this stuff, so make sure that you get a signed statement from the owner saying that to the best of their knowledge the vehicle is in good working order with no defects. Also make sure that you get in writing that they will accept in back with your payment in full in at least 14 days, if not 30 days time, if something does break. If they are not willing to do so, don't buy it!

If you do consider buying it, ask yourself this:

1. Can I afford to fix it when it breaks down? (And it will...)

2. How long do I need this vehicle to last me? (i.e. college or work)

3. Can I afford to put gas in it being that gas prices are going higher & may reach $5/gal?

4. What are my needs in a vehicle?

5. Can I afford the insurance? (rates change based on the car you drive & your age)

Your truthful answers to yourself of teh above questions will also tell you if you should buy it.

Being that its your first car and you're probably limited on funds, I'd recommend an import. For $2,500 you should be able to find a nice Japanese vehicle that has around 150k +/- miles that will last you for at least another 100+k miles. If its a truck you want, go Toyota or Nissan. For a car, I highly recommend Honda for a first time owner. Their cheap, reliable, easy to fix, and will go 300k+ miles before giving up the ghost. Insurance is cheaper on those vehicles too than on the GMC.

The GMC will be lucky to get another 50K miles before you have problems.

I hope that helps!

Answer 3

Check Kelly blue book for the value, I bought a similar vehicle recently a 96 S10 blazer also green with 144000 miles for $1000
so don't be afraid to haggle on the price offer less ,if you really like the car if they wont lower the price you can always give them what they are asking,

Answer 4

Depends on the options, how it was maintained and if it has been wrecked. you should get the VIN # and get a carfax report. you should also go to kbb.com and look it up for the value. do those two things and if the price is right and it hasn't been wrecked you should buy it. and don't be afraid to offer $1800, the seller will probably settle at $2000. good luck!

Answer 5

sounds good